Domestic Violence in Southwest Georgia

Domestic violence is a problem that plagues the nation. In southwest Georgia police say domestic violence calls are something officers deal with often.

SGT Rachelle Denmark of the Thomasville Police Department says, "We get a lot of calls and it's not just one or two a day, it's several per shift, and our shifts consist of 12 hour shifts. It shouldn't be, but it's almost a standard call. But they're never routine ‘cause you never know what you're gonna get."

Grady County Sheriff Harry Young says the number of domestic violence calls in Grady County has increased. He adds, in many cases, alcohol, drugs or divorce are involved.

The Halcyon Home in Thomas County is a shelter for battered women and children. The director says the location of the shelter is kept confidential to protect victims, and the shelter serves five counties in southwest Georgia.

Chris Marsh, Director of the Halcyon Home, says, "Our role at the shelter is to provide a safe environment for them, help structure them, give them encouragement. We don't control them, we give them options and we give them the services that they need to keep them moving forward."

Marsh says abuse is hard to stop, but she'll continue to help people seek refuge from abusers and help them get a fresh start. She adds that since its opening in 1997, the Halcyon Home has helped more than 1,400 people: women, children and men.

The Halcyon Home serves Thomas, Grady, Decatur, Mitchell and Seminole Counties, including people from out of state.

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